Healthy Living

Preschool Parenting

You Asked: We Answered

We talked to hundreds of parents about what it’s like trying to raise a healthy preschooler. Parents shared their burning questions, biggest challenges, and best strategies.

We know how important the first years are for getting your child off to a healthy start. We also understand that being a parent is an important — and hard — job! So we talked to hundreds of parents to get their tips on parenting.

Below you’ll find some of our expert tips on raising a healthy preschooler. Keep reading to get more information on these topics and questions:

Parent 2 Parent

"My daughter came home from pre-school singing a song about yummy cookies. I was frustrated because we finally got her to stop asking for cookies at snack time. I didn’t want the teacher to think I was being annoying, but I brought it up anyway. The teacher was more than happy to teach a song about yummy fruit, too."

How can I set a good example for my preschooler?

Yes, it’s true! You are your child’s best role model. When you set a good example, your child learns healthy habits. She will want to copy what you eat and do to stay healthy, so it’s important that you do your best to make healthy choices of your own.

Did you know?

Studies show that regardless of where a child spends most of his time, his parents or guardians (compared to others like teachers or caregivers) have the greatest influence on healthy habits like eating healthy, turning off the TV, and getting enough physical activity.

Try these tips for involving your whole family in healthy habits:

Eat breakfast every day with your child. Try whole grain cereal with sliced fruit or toast with peanut butter and a banana. Start the day off right together!

Get active together. Go to the park on the weekends, take walks together, or kick a ball around in your backyard. This will get you both moving!

Parent 2 Parent

"I used to be one of those ‘I’m not a breakfast person’ types. Then I realized if I was going to get my daughter to have breakfast, I better do as I say! Now we eat together every morning, and it’s one of my favorite parts of our day."

How do I get everyone on board with my parenting goals?

Many parents rely on other people to help take care of their kids. Having help can be a big relief, but it can also be stressful when other adults do things differently than we’d like.

Clear communication, patience, and consistency can help you get everyone on the same team.

Be clear with teachers.

If your child is in preschool or daycare, talk to the teachers so they know what foods you want your child to eat. You may need to have the conversation more than once. Don’t feel like you are being annoying or pushy — you are the parent!

Focus on communication:

Find out what the teacher will offer at snack or mealtime. You may want to ask specifically about healthy snack options for classroom birthday and holiday parties.

Ask the teacher if he can talk to the children about healthy foods. If your child is learning about healthy foods, she’ll be more likely to eat them.

Talk with other parents about any concerns you have. If you are worried about something, chances are you are not the only one.

Parent 2 Parent

"My daughter came home from pre-school singing a song about yummy cookies. I was frustrated because we finally got her to stop asking for cookies at snack time. I didn’t want the teacher to think I was being annoying, but I brought it up anyway. The teacher was more than happy to teach a song about yummy fruit, too."

Get your family on your team.

Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are most likely trusted and respected members of your family and an important part of your support system. It can be difficult at times when they don’t agree with your decisions as a parent or have different ideas about feeding, physical activity, or parenting. Be grateful but firm in these situations and remind your family members that you both love your child and want what’s best for her health. Feel free to “blame” your child’s doctor when explaining to family members why you prefer certain guidelines.

If a family member is doing you a favor by watching your child, you may feel uncomfortable telling him what to feed your child at meal and snack time. We understand this can be tough!

To make things easier on everyone:

Try packing healthy meals and snacks for both your child and the family member. That way, you can be sure your child will eat foods you are comfortable with — and it helps your family member out, too.

Keep plenty of healthy food choices in your home. If your child is used to eating healthy snacks, she’ll be more likely to make healthy choices when she’s in another adult’s home.

Parent 2 Parent

"I tell grandma and grandpa my kids want their love, time, and attention. That’s the sweetness that they need. They don’t need the candy or chocolates!"

How can I make our daily lives feel more manageable?

It can be difficult to juggle all of your responsibilities as a parent. Setting up routines for mealtime, playtime, and sleeping time will help your child know what to expect and help you manage your responsibilities as a parent. Learn more about setting family routines.

How can I make our daily lives feel more manageable?

One way to help you and your child stay healthy and happy is to stick to a routine. When your child knows what to expect, he’ll be more likely to behave. Setting up routines for mealtime, playtime, and sleeping time will help you manage your responsibilities as a parent, too.

Did you know?

Eating meals at the same time every night leads to healthier eating.

Try these tips for starting family routines:

Eat meals together as a family at the same time every day. If this doesn’t seem doable, set a goal of eating together at least 3 times a week.

Eat breakfast every day.

Put your child to bed at the same time every night. Set up a regular, soothing routine to help her wind down before bed.

Make physical activity a part of your family’s everyday routine.

Parent 2 Parent

"The summer before my son started kindergarten, we made a chart of the things he has to do each day like make his bed, have quiet time, and help me make dinner. It made it easier when he had to start school because it was just one more thing on his list instead of changing everything about his day."

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Talk to your child’s doctor about your successes, questions, and concerns about parenting at each well-child visit. You and your child’s pediatrician are partners in helping your child develop healthy habits.

Being prepared for well-child visits can help make the most of your time together. Write down a list of questions for the doctor and take it with you — leave space to write down the doctor’s answers.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions. If you have a question, chances are another parent has asked that same question before!